Tributes have been paid to the snooker referee Len Ganley, who has died at the age of 68. Ganley, who suffered from diabetes, died at home in his native Northern Ireland after his health deteriorated over recent weeks, World Snooker has announced.

The former milkman and bus driver became the best-known referee on the circuit during snooker's boom years in the 1980s, taking charge of his first Crucible final in 1983 and going on to officiate title matches in 1987, 1990 and 1993.

He was awarded the MBE for charity work and services to snooker in 1994 and retired from refereeing in 1999. Such was his fame during the 1980s that he appeared in a Carling Black Label advert, crushing a cue ball to dust in his hands.

The six-times world champion Steve Davis, who included the 1983 and 1987 titles among his haul, paid tribute to Ganley.

"Len did a very good job of being a referee and a personality at the same time," Davis said. "A referee is supposed to be unseen and he liked the limelight, but he still managed to do the job properly. He knew the game as a player, having made century breaks himself, so when he was in charge of your match it was nice to know how well he understood the game."

Jimmy White tweeted: "Just want to say RIP Len Ganley! He was not only a great referee but a great friend of mine and my family I spoke with him often! Sad loss!"

Ganley's funeral will take place on Wednesday morning at St Paul's Chapel in Lurgan, with the family requesting donations to the Paul Hunter Foundation rather than flowers.